NASCAR’s legal clash of Jim France vs Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has escalated into a full-blown war of words—and fans are picking sides.
This week, the sanctioning body’s countersuit, which labels the teams an “illegal cartel,” drew a fiery response. It accuses NASCAR of using “overblown rhetoric and hyperbole.” Meanwhile, social media erupted with expletive critiques as supporters demanded fairness in the sport’s business model.
The dispute centers on NASCAR’s charter system, which guarantees teams entry into races and a share of revenue. With a May 9 appeals hearing looming, the battle threatens to reshape stock car racing’s economic landscape and test the loyalties of die-hard fans.
Legal Battle Escalates as Jim France, NASCAR, and 23XI Trade Fiery Allegations
NASCAR’s 30-page countersuit, filed March 5, alleges 23XI and FRM conspired to “threaten, coerce, and extort” better charter terms by orchestrating a media campaign and threatening boycotts.
The filing singles out 23XI co-owner Curtis Polk, Jordan’s longtime agent, accusing him of misapplying NBA-style tactics to NASCAR’s “unique” structure. “I don’t think Mr. Polk really understands the sport,” NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates told The Associated Press.
23XI/FRM (plaintiffs) on whether they would likely succeed on the merits of the case: "Plaintiffs needed to–and did–show only that they will likely be able to prove that they are suffering antitrust injury by receiving below-competitive market prices for selling their services" https://t.co/eL5H7OpH2R
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 14, 2025
The teams fired back Friday, countering NASCAR’s claims. They stated, “Each of the defendants’ arguments against this narrow injunction is meritless” and doubled down on antitrust arguments.
“They assert that the judge did not understand antitrust law and abused his discretion. But the ‘errors’ defendants identify are not errors at all. … The district court applied well-established precedent to the extensive fact and expert record, properly exercising its discretion to grant a narrowly tailored preliminary injunction that protects the rights of all parties and the public until trial,” their 68-page response stated.
They cited driver contract opt-outs and sponsor hesitations as proof of “irreparable harm” without charter guarantees. Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Corey Heim reportedly pressured 23XI for clarity, while sponsors threatened to slash funding over Daytona 500 uncertainties.
At the heart of the clash is NASCAR’s requirement that teams sign liability waivers to access charters. In December, a federal judge ruled that these waivers illegally shield NASCAR from antitrust scrutiny. The injunction allows 23XI and FRM to compete as chartered teams in 2025, but NASCAR insists the ruling undermines its entire governance model.
Fan Backlash and the Fight for NASCAR’s Future
Social media erupted after Bob Pockrass’ X update on the legal filings. “F*** NASCAR and Jim France,” tweeted a user, echoing widespread frustration. Others mocked NASCAR’s leadership, with one user replying, “Bill France would beat Jim up if he was still alive.”
Bill France would beat Jim up if he was still alive
— levi (@DaneoDrano) March 14, 2025
Never one to mince words, Jordan framed the lawsuit as a fight for fairness.
“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans,” he said in October 2024. Polk labeled NASCAR a “dictatorship” and accused the top-ranked motorsports organizations of stonewalling negotiations to “consolidate control and the power in the hands of the France family for their sole benefit.”
The stakes extend beyond courtrooms. Fans fear the charter system’s collapse could destabilize team budgets and driver lineups. FRM owner Bob Jenkins emphasized the need for “long-term enterprise value,” akin to other pro sports. Yet NASCAR argues the teams’ demands of richer payouts and fewer restrictions would bankrupt the current model.
Bob, will this be resolved before the start of the 2026 season do you think
— Chettios (@ChettiosTwitch) March 14, 2025
The sport faces a credibility crisis as the May 9 appeals hearing approaches. As fans’ concerns rise, will NASCAR’s traditional structure survive? Or will Jordan’s team force a league-like transformation? For now, the only certainty is this: the finish line is nowhere in sight.
Why did we never have problems like this before michael jordan came to nascar!!!